Official Ohio Boating Course Table of Contents

• Home Page
• Ohio Boating License Overview
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Ohio Boaters License
• Ohio Boating Regulations and Laws Summary
• Ohio Marine Insurance Savings
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources Welcome Message

Chapter 1: Know Your Boat

• Chapter 1 Contents
• The Many Parts of a Boat
• Types of Boat Hulls
• Length of a Vessel
• Types of Engines
• Jet Drives
• Personal Watercraft
• Sailboats
• Chapter 1 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 1: Know Your Boat

Chapter 2: Before You Get Underway

• Chapter 2 Contents
• Your Boat's Capacity
• File a "Float Plan"
• Fuel Your Vessel—Safely
• Fueling Issues for a PWC
  • Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Trailering Your Vessel
• Tying Nautical Knots
• Vessel Maintenance
  • Engine Maintenance
• Chapter 2 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 2: Before You Get Underway

Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely

• Chapter 3 Contents
• Casting Off
• Docking
• Navigation Rules—Traffic Laws of the Waterways
  • Encountering Other Vessels
    • Meeting Head-On
    • Paths That Cross
    • Overtaking
    • Sailing Vessel Encountering Sailing Vessel
• Navigation Lights
• Night Navigation
• Sound Signals
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
  • Lateral Markers
  • Variations on the U.S. Aids To Navigation System
  • Non-Lateral Markers
  • Buoy System on Waterway
  • Navigational Chart for Waterway
• Anchoring
• Dams, Locks, and Bridges
• Changing Water Levels
• Compasses and Charts
• Operating a Personal Watercraft
  • Steering and Stopping a PWC
  • Courtesy on the Water
  • Environmental Considerations
  • Other PWC Considerations
  • Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• Ignition Safety (Engine Shut-Off) Switches
• Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries
• Chapter 3 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating

Ohio Vessel Requirements

• Registration and Titling
  • Titling of Watercraft and Outboard Motors
  • Hull Identification Number
  • Numbering of Watercraft
  • Registration of Watercraft
  • Alternative Registration Option for Hand-Powered Vessels
  • Proof of Documentation Required
  • Watercraft Identification and Display of Tags and Number
  • Expiration of Registration
• Duty of Owner To Provide Equipment
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
  • PFD Requirements
  • Inflatable PFDs
  • PFD Specifications
  • Child PFD Requirements
  • PFD Regulations for Commercial Vessels
  • PFDs Required for Skiers and Others Being Towed
  • Barefoot Skiing
  • PFDs Required for Personal Watercraft
• Anchor Requirements
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestor
• Ventilation Requirements
• Exhaust Muffler Required
• Navigation Lights
• Visual Distress Signals
• Equipment for Sound Signals
• Vessel Sanitary Systems
• Inland Navigation Rules
• Discharge of Oil Prohibited
• Garbage Placard

Federal Regulations

• Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)
• Waste Management Plan
• FCC Regulations
• Canadian Border Landing Permit
• U.S. Customs Service Boat Reporting

Ohio Operating Laws

• Boating Course Proficiency Exam Certificate
• Child Operators: Supervising Person
• Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• Reckless Operation
• Unsafe Condition and Termination
• Operation In Restricted Areas
• Mooring and Interference with Buoys Prohibited
• Obstructing a Waterway, Securing of Docked and Anchored Vessels
• Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Prohibited / Testing
• Incapacitated Operators Prohibited / Testing
• Complying With officer; Eluding Or Fleeing; Stopping or Yielding to Law Enforcement Vessel
• Towing a Person with a Boat or PWC Legally
• Sitting, Standing, or Walking on Moving Vessels Restricted
• Capacity Plates
• Littering Prohibited
• Enforcement
• Firearm Restrictions
• Vessel Accidents
• Violation Resulting in Injury or Damage is Evidence of Negligence

Ohio State Parks Boating Regulations

Additional Information

• Boating on Lake Erie and the Ohio River
• Protect Ohio's Waterways

• Chapter 4 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating

Chapter 5: Boating Emergencies—What To Do

• Chapter 5 Contents
• Risk Management
  • Increased Risk Due to Boating Stressors
  • Increased Risk Due to Dehydration
  • Minimize Risk of Boating Accidents—Avoid Alcohol
  • Minimize Risk of Drownings—Wear PFDs (Life Jackets)
• Boating Accidents
  • Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard
  • Avoiding Collisions
  • Dealing With Fire Emergencies
  • Running Aground
• Personal Injuries
  • Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  • Responding to Other Serious Injuries
• Weather Emergencies
  • How To Avoid Severe Weather
  • What To Do If Out in Severe Weather
• Summoning Help
• Chapter 5 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 5: Boating Emergencies—What To Do

Chapter 6: Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat

• Chapter 6 Contents
• Responsibilities of a Vessel Operator
  • Responsibility to Your Passengers
  • Responsibility to Others You Allow to Operate Your Vessel
  • Responsibility to the Environment
  • Responsibility to Others Using the Waterways
• Paddlesports—Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts
• Water-Skiing
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
• Windsurfing
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Chapter 6 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 6: Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat

Glossary of Boating Terms

• State-Specific and National Definitions of Common Boating Terms

Review Questions

• Chapter 1 Review Questions
• Chapter 2 Review Questions
• Chapter 3 Review Questions
• Chapter 4 Review Questions
• Chapter 5 Review Questions
• Chapter 6 Review Questions